I am seriously considering a swap from my auto trans to a T56. I've been doing research and I know that the '93 is not preferred due to the .62 overdrive vs. the .50 in a '94-'97 T56 (the .62 is still better than the overdrive in my 700R4). I also like the lower first gear ratio in the '93. Other than the gear ratios, why not use the '93 T56?

The reason I ask is because a brand new '93 Tremec T56 (10236021) goes for ~$1700 where a new '94-'97 Tremec T56 (12558016) goes for ~$2900.

What makes the '94-'97 T56 worth $1200 more? Experts, please!

 

You already posted the difference, its in the gearing, and i believe the gearing was the main factor in the 94-97 one having a higher torque capacity.

 

Im kicking myself in the *** right now. I just found a 95 lt1 T56 for 2500$ with 80k...damage to the front end. OMG I wish I would have bought that instead of my new motor...not only would I have a nice motor but id have a t56, better rear, and all the 4th gen interior i could handle!!!

 

Also I believe the 94+ is rated to handle 50 more ft.#'s of torque

 

You are correct. It follows the gearing differences...

93: 400 ft-lbs.
94+: 450 ft-lbs.

 

That's what they're rated at. They have been known to easily handle twice that.

 

IIRC, the '93 T56 also had a 2.95 1st gear. I know for a fact the '94-'97 T56s had a 2.66 first gear. This is what dictated the torque rating (from my understanding).

 

To me its if it can handle a LT1 and then some. Then it can handle a 3rd gen motor O_o I got the 94+ one though cause thats the one that I found for a good price.